58024 Senior Scientist - Apple & Pear Physiology - Plant & Food Research

Senior Scientist
Apple & Pear Physiology
Motueka, New Zealand
Vacancy number: 58024
Permanent fulltime (38 hours per week)

Conduct groundbreaking research on fruit production optimisation and quality enhancement, focusing on apples, pears, and other key crops. Contribute to both fundamental and applied research that drives sustainability and innovation in the fruit industry.

What you will be doing | Ngā whāinga matua
You will be leading and contributing to innovative research programmes, overseeing project funding, ensuring timely delivery of contracts and maintaining high standards in data collection, analysis, and equipment usage. Some key accountabilities include:

• Design and manage field experiments, ensuring high-quality data collection and analysis
• Secure funding for research projects through proposal development and client relationships
• Collaborate with internal and external researchers, clients and funders
• Supervise staff, including casual and support staff

What you will bring | Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako
To be successful in this role, the minimum qualifications required are:

• PhD in plant sciences, horticulture or plant physiology, with in depth practical orchard/field/laboratory experience, knowledge and skills
• Proven track record in applied and fundamental temperate fruit tree research and technical transfer/extension of scientific findings to industry and growers
• Broad understanding of and experience with fruit production systems (preferably temperate fruit crops) and tree/orchard management

• An accurate, organised and methodical approach to tasks and processes as well as a commitment to deliver effective, accurate and excellent work/project management

A copy of the Position Description is available for you to view once you click on the 'apply' button.

What you will get | Ngā hua o tēnei tūranga
The opportunity to work within a friendly, team-based environment that encourages and supports work-life balance, and to contribute to exciting projects with an organisation which has an excellent reputation for its science and for being a great place to work! At PFR, we offer excellent employee benefits and flexibility, such as:

• Four weeks annual leave, additional 7 days' leave and generous paid parental leave
• Excellent benefit choices in retirement savings and wellbeing & health
• Focus on health and wellbeing with enhanced sick leave
• Ongoing career development opportunities

About us | Ko wai mātou
At Plant & Food Research, Rangahau Ahumāra Kai, we believe science can create a better future. By finding smarter, greener options today, we're helping secure the world we want to live in tomorrow. With our partners, we use world-leading science and technology to improve the way they grow, fish, harvest, create, prepare and share kai.   We have 1000 people working across Aotearoa New Zealand and the world to help develop and deliver healthy foods from the world's most sustainable food systems.  We are on our journey towards becoming a meaningful and trusted partner to Māori, promoting the weaving of Mātauranga Māori and science to create growth and success for all of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

In January the Government announced the planned formation of a new bio-economy-focused Public Research Organisation. Plant & Food Research will be joining together with AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, and Scion to form this new entity.

Plant & Food Research is well positioned to adapt to this change and make the most of the opportunities that it will offer. We are clear on what we do, and we know what our sectors and NZ needs us to do. We have amazing people doing impactful mahi and it's vital that we keep our focus and momentum on this as our commitment to our customers and sectors has not changed.

We welcome applicants who are excited to join us on this change journey.